Uwajimaya - more

I did a little Googling (sic) and came up with several links [at the end] that may be of some interest. It seemed to me that in reading some reviews several conclusions might be reached.

The obvious is that it is an Asian market; the Seattle market is a destination place; it is pricey; and one's impression of the comparative quality is dependent on the exposure to other similar markets.

As to the latter, those who have been at the Seattle market did not view the Beaverton version as being as good. Nor were those in California who had been exposed to other Asian markets in their locality as impressed as those in Portland/Beaverton area whose exposure was first time.

How do they see themselves? "Since the beginning Uwajimaya has evolved beyond providing basic grocery staples and become known as a tourist and destination store."

Interesting, at least to me, in June 2002 the company's president and chief operating officer Akira Moriguchi attributed ". . . the Seattle store's success in large part to the nearby Union Station office development backed by philanthropist/developer Paul Allen, which has brought throngs of new workers to the area. That inspired other, subsequent developments in the area."

Also, it is clear that Uwajimaya is expanding. From Puget Sound Business Journal, September 2007: "New Uwajimaya CEO Tomoko Moriguchi Matsuno plans to open at least three new Asian grocery stores in the next five years."

"The time is right for expansion, Matsuno said, because the flagship Uwajimaya Village in Seattle's Chinatown/International District is completed and thriving. The mixed-use project, which includes a grocery store, retail, and apartments, opened five years ago."

And the possibilities? "She is interested in the Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco Bay areas."

The Uwajimaya Village apartments appear to be above market rate for Seattle. Take a look at the graph. 1 bed/ 1 bathroom in 2008 is $369 above market rate of $1,039. Pricey.

Also, the apartment reviews might have some interest. Although, reviews are typically by the disappointed, they provide some value.